January 4, 2013 at
2:34 PM

The Red Sox announced the signing of Mark Hamilton to a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training. Primarily a first baseman, he has also seen time at the corner outfield spots.

Hamilton, 28, has spent his entire professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals after they took him in the second round of the 2006 draft. After compiling over 1700 minor league plate appearances, Hamilton got his first taste of the majors with the Cardinals in 2010. Appearing in 47 games across two seasons, Hamilton went 12 for 61, driving in four runs. Assigned to Triple-A Memphis of the Pacific Coast League in 2012, he compiled a .231/.340/.419 line before he was released on August 17. Hamilton has an impressive .291/.385/.494 overall line with Memphis in over 900 at-bats across four seasons, but his power has not yet translated in his short major league auditions.

It is likely that Hamilton will be assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket, where he will serve as depth. Per ESPN.com, he is out of options.

The Red Sox also made official the signing of infielder Jonathan Diaz, initially reported in mid-December. Diaz's deal also includes an invitation to spring training.